Discover 600 years of history and soak in the atmosphere of a rare surviving medieval Bridge Chapel and Victorian Bridge Chamber.
Enjoy beautiful views over the River Medway and explore the Trust's art collection including a work by Dame Tracey Emin.
While there has been a crossing over the River Medway at Rochester since Roman times, following a petition to King Richard II by two medieval knights, the Rochester Bridge Trust was founded in 1399 to maintain the bridge in perpetuity.
The medieval bridge continued to provide the only crossing at Rochester for over 450 years. With the increase in road and river traffic, a new bridge designed by Sir William Cubitt opened in 1856. It was renovated in 1914 and later joined by a second bridge opened by HRH The Princess Margaret in 1970.
In addition to maintaining Rochester Bridge, the Trust is also custodian of a rare surviving medieval Bridge Chapel commissioned by Sir John de Cobham in 1393. The Chapel was a key stopping point for travellers along Watling Street until it was suppressed during the Reformation. It was later used as a pub, a house, and a fruit and sweet shop before being sensitively restored by Sir Herbert Baker in 1937. An adjoining Victorian Chamber with beautiful views across the River Medway and Rochester Castle was designed by Kent architect Martin Bulmer and completed in 1879. It houses key pieces from the Trust’s art collection and historic furniture including a Mouseman table.
This year, on display for the first time since it was acquired by the Trust, visitors will be able to view ‘The Crown looking on to Rochester Bridge’ by Dame Tracey Emin, created during her time as a student at Maidstone College of Art.
Free. Pre-booking not required.
